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1973 116.024 in North America?

Started by spitfireal, 11 May 2013, 07:34 AM

spitfireal

Hello all,

I'm actually a W108 owner (1972 280SE 4.5) but have a W116 question and this looks to be the best place to ask!

There is a 1973 6-cylinder 280 SE from Germany in my area here in Ontario (chassis 116.024). I'm trying to figure out if you could buy this model in North America in 1973. I'm seeing plenty of references to the 450 SE, but not the six-cylinder version of the car.

Some North American price guides list the 280SE, but I believe they are referring to the W108 chassis like mine as sales for the 108 and 116 seem to have overlapped this model year.

Any words of wisdom appreciated!

Thanks,
Allan
Collingwood, Ontario

jbrasile

Hi Allan,

No, 280SE's were not available in North America until 1977, in fact the first 116 with the M110 engine sold in Canada and the US was the 280S in 75 and 76 with an anemic 120hp due to emission restrictions.  The 280SE was available from 1977 to 1980 with 140hp (137 for California) vs 185hp for the Euro versions.

The 73 car you are looking at has D-Jetronic fuel injection, same as your 4.5 and 185 hp.

Tks

Joe

karmann_20v

Hi Allan,

Great to see somebody from Ontario here.

Is the car you mention for sale?

spitfireal

Thanks Joe for the great information! Confirms my suspicions.

Karmann, the car has been in Ontario since the 1980's and bounced around within a local family and now with a family friend - not for sale though.

Cheers,
Allan

karmann_20v

Thanks for the response, Allan!

I can't even remember when was the last time I saw a 116 on the road... good to know there are still a few left.